MDMA Assisted Therapy
MDMA appears to reduce fear and defensiveness while enhancing feelings of empathy and introspection. This allows patients to explore their emotions and traumatic experiences with reduced anxiety, fostering a deeper connection with their therapists and, in the case of couples, with each other.
*MDMA Assisted Therapy will be offered once FDA approves it as a modality. Study results could lead to an FDA approval for MDMA to treat post-traumatic stress disorder by 2024. MDMA has been administered to approximately 1,700 human subjects with only one serious adverse reaction.

WHAT IS MDMA ASSISTED THERAPY
MDMA Assisted Therapy is a groundbreaking approach that utilizes the psychoactive substance MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) as an adjunct to traditional psychotherapy. Recent research trials have shown promising results, indicating that this therapy can be highly beneficial for individuals and couples struggling with various mental health challenges. In these trials, MDMA is administered in a controlled, therapeutic environment, facilitating a unique therapeutic experience. MDMA appears to reduce fear and defensiveness while enhancing feelings of empathy and introspection. This allows patients to explore their emotions and traumatic experiences with reduced anxiety, fostering a deeper connection with their therapists and, in the case of couples, with each other.
MDMA-assisted therapy sessions can take some time. You may need two or three sessions over 12 weeks to see the benefits. Your therapist will tell you more about what to expect and how to prepare yourself.
At each session, you’ll get a tablet or capsule of the drug to swallow. Usually, it takes about 45 minutes to take effect. Your therapist may follow up with a half-dose 2 hours after the first one if they feel it’s necessary. The drug’s effects on your brain and body can last up to 8 hours, which gives you time to revisit and work through painful events. At least two psychotherapists will be there for the whole session to help you through what can be a physically and emotionally draining process.
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BENEFITS
The benefits of MDMA Assisted Therapy are multifaceted. It can help individuals and couples by providing a safe space to address issues such as trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and relational difficulties. The MDMA experience can promote emotional openness, increase self-awareness, and enhance communication, which is particularly valuable in couples therapy. By reducing emotional barriers, it enables individuals to confront and process painful memories or emotions, ultimately leading to profound healing and personal growth. Moreover, for couples, MDMA-assisted therapy can help them reconnect on a deeper level, rebuild trust, and improve overall relationship satisfaction.
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WHO DOES IT HELP
KAP has shown promising results in various mental health diagnoses, but it has been particularly effective in treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. Research has demonstrated that ketamine's unique pharmacological properties can alleviate depressive symptoms rapidly, often within hours or days, providing relief for individuals who have not responded to traditional antidepressant medications. Similarly, ketamine has shown potential in reducing the severity of PTSD symptoms and anxiety disorders, offering renewed hope for those struggling with these conditions. Additionally, KAP has demonstrated promise in supporting individuals with substance use disorders by addressing underlying psychological issues and promoting a shift in perspective that can aid in recovery.
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Research
Scientists are still looking into MDMA’s benefits for people with PTSD in clinical trials. But the results have been promising. The researchers say MDMA-assisted therapy may have more benefits than any other psychotherapy or medication that’s now used to treat severe PTSD. In fact, they say PTSD symptoms can be controlled or reduced after one course of two or three sessions. And the benefits may be long-term: One study found that 67% of people reported that they no longer met the criteria for PTSD a year after they finished MDMA-assisted therapy. These findings have led the FDA to grant MDMA-assisted therapy “expanded access status.” Because the treatment is given in a controlled setting, the potential for abuse is low. MDMA is also proving to be cheaper than other alternative therapies for severe PTSD that may take longer and need more drugs and professional assistance.
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While research is ongoing, MDMA Assisted Therapy has shown particular promise in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent trial results have demonstrated significant symptom reduction in individuals with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. However, it's essential to emphasize that this therapy is still being studied, and its long-term effects and safety profile are areas of ongoing research. Nevertheless, the initial findings suggest that MDMA Assisted Therapy could be a transformative approach for individuals and couples seeking relief from a range of mental health challenges, particularly those rooted in trauma and relational difficulties.